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21 Best Natural Home Remedies For the Cold, Cough & Flu

With winter coming up, it’s only right to talk about the inevitable fevers, runny noses, and just being miserably sick.

Do you always find yourself getting a cold or the flu a few time every year?

Do you feel like your immune system is always on vacation?

The common cold that plagues us year after year is right around the corner. If you live in an urban area, you know that avoiding sick people in tight areas (subway, buses, apartment buildings, skyscrapers, department stores) is near to impossible.

Plain ol’ soap and water is more than enough to wash off all those pesky germs. It also prevents transmission of germs from other people to yourself.

You touch so many things all throughout the day – your phone, the subway pole, ATM buttons, door handles, keyboards, money, pens. This allows for germs to be passed on from person to person every millisecond! Gross.

If your immune system is even the tiniest bit compromised, the cold virus will find you and take full advantage. Chronic stress, a poor diet, and other factors weaken the immune system.

Herbs, vitamins, and minerals from around the world have been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold, cough, and flu.

When you’re sick, you are probably used to reaching for the nearest OTC medications in weakness and desperation. But OTC meds all have nasty side effects and can harm your body in the long run.

They also don’t work that well. Why?

It’s because OTC meds are designed to mask the symptoms, and not deal with what is making you sick in the first place.

What if you gave mother nature a chance to let its natural vitamins and herbs alleviate your worst symptoms–with little to no known side effects?

You can find some examples below for natural remedies that really work. You can use more than one at a time, to find what best works for you. The good news is, you can use these remedies year round (even when you’re not sick) as a preventative measure!

Tip: Get a few of these remedies ahead of time. That way, if you do get sick, you don’t have to drag yourself outside in the cold, to the drugstore.

Remedies For the Cold, Cough & Flu

1. Probiotics

Your own immune system is your first line of defense in fighting a cold or the flu.

When we do not have enough “good bacteria” in our system, pathogens take over and leave us susceptible to disease, cancers, and disorders.

80% of our immune system is found in our digestive system, so it is vital to maintain appropriate levels of probiotics in our gastro-intestinal system.

Live beneficial microbes in the digestive tract makes up a health gut. These good bacterias prevent an invasion of pathogens that make us sick. They also improve digestion, prevent constipation, synthesize Vitamin K, and keep a balanced pH level.

Method: Make sure to take probiotic-containing foods year round. Naturally occurring foods can be found in: water or milk Kefir, kombucha drinks, non-commercial unflavored yogurts, fermented foods, sauerkraut.

Quality probiotic capsules can also be found at your local health food store or online.

2. Chlorella

Chlorella is a nutrient dense superfood. It is a blue-green algae that is packed with phytonutrients, chlorophyll, beta-carotene, potassium, phosphorous, biotin, magnesium, Vitamins A, C, E, complete vitamin B-complex and several amino acids.

Chlorella also increases the levels of (Ig) A antibody levels in the body. A study published in 2010 by the Plant Foods for Human Nutrition shows a direct correlation between chlorella and increased levels of (Ig) A antibodies in the body.

In this study, women who consumed chlorella pyerenoidsa supplements had significantly higher amounts of (Ig) A antibody concentrations in their breast milk than women who were not taking chlorella. This indicates that the women producing more (Ig) A in their bodies.

When the influenza virus comes into contact with your (Ig) A antibodies, it contains the cold and influenza virus and immediately stops it from spreading and infection the surrounding cells.

Chlorella not only protects you, but it also makes your immune system stronger.

Echinacea also has known anti-viral, antibacterial, and blood cleansing properties. The way it fights off the cold and the flu is by increasing levels of properdin.

Properdin is one of the chemicals in the body responsible for fighting off bacteria and viruses. A study found that echinacea can reduce your chances of catching a cold by 60%, and shorten the length of a cold by 1-4 days.

Method: Echinacea comes in the form of tinctures, capsules, or teas.

I find that the pure tincture forms work the best. At the very first sign of a cold, mix 2 dropperfuls of the tincture into a cup of water to prevent further onset. Repeat up to three times a day.

4. Organic Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Organic apple cider vinegar’s (ACV) antibacterial and antiviral properties kill the microbes that cause sore throats. It also helps to loosen up and expel excess mucous from the chest that makes it hard to breathe.

ACV contains prebiotic inulin–which builds up the immune system and sends out fighting white blood cells.

ACV also helps to balance our body’s pH levels. The acidity and alkalinity of a food is measured using a pH scale.

The pH scale runs from 0-14 (zero being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline). The optimal blood pH level is closest to 7.4 (slightly more alkaline). There are home kits that can easily test the pH levels of your water, food, saliva, or urine.

A balanced body is less appealing for bacteria or cancer cells to thrive.

Method: Mix in 2 teaspoons of ACV into a cup of pure filtered warm water. You can squeeze in a wedge of lemon (vitamin C). Add a dash of ceylon cinnamon powder (antiseptic). Mix in raw organic honey (soothe sore throats). Drink up to 3 times a day.

Oleuropein can also encircle tumor cells and prevent it from replicating, growing, and moving. A study published in the Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications in 2005, showed spontaneous tumors that disappeared after 9-12 days in mice who were given oleuropein.

Method: The recommended dose is 500 milligrams, once a day. OLE comes in capsules or tea form.

6. Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin)

Considered a miracle herb, cayenne pepper is used to alleviate intestinal ulcers and heartburn, relieve joint and muscle pain (capsaicin is an active ingredient in many OTC meds).

For a common cold, cayenne pepper can be used to break through congestion and warm your body, while decreasing inflammation. Cayenne pepper contains high levels of vitamin C, which is great for colds and the flu.

Capsaicin is one of the major ingredients in red peppers. The spicier the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains.

Capsaicin works by inhibiting substance P–a chemical in the body that is involved in inflammation. Substance P communicates pain, heart disease, and other disorders with the body.

Capsaicin cream is commonly used to soothe arthritic aches and pains and open wounds.

Capsaicin is also used to treat heart attacks, halt internal bleeding, and slow tumor growths (particularly in prostate cancers).

Dr. John Christopher, a herbal physician, has healed patients with heart attacks and internal hemorrhaging instantly with a tablespoon of cayenne pepper mixed with warm water.

A study published in the Journal, Cancer Research in 2006, showed that capsaicin has the ability to kill cancer cells by inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death). Cayenne pepper powder causes instant efficient blood flow and circulation.

Capsule form of this pepper is considered to be not as effective as the powdered form. Cayenne pepper is rated according to its heat index. Start of by taking 40,000 SCUs, and eventually up to 90,000 SCUs.

Method: Recommended dosage is one teaspoon of organic cayenne pepper a day, and slowly work your way up to one teaspoon, 3 times a day.

7. Turmeric

Numerous studies have also shown turmeric to be great at improving heart health, expediting wound healing (while reducing scar tissue), relieving arthritis inflammation, reducing risks of Alzheimer’s Disease, decreasing symptoms of allergies, defending against depression, rebuilding muscle tissue, and treating gastric disorders. It is even a great and natural teeth whitener.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric, in addition to honey, have been widely used to treat the common cold, coughs, headaches, sore throats, and congestion. There are a few ways to enjoy turmeric.

Method: (Drink) Add turmeric powder to your favorite tea, and flavor it with ginger and raw organic honey.(Syrup) Sprinkle ground turmeric into a spoonful of raw organic honey. This method is good at soothing an infected throat.(Paste) Add some filtered water to ground turmeric. Rub the ointment onto inflamed joints or insect bites. This paste is also useful for whitening teeth and to soothe eczema or dermatitis.

Green tea has six different kinds of antioxidants that differ based on which part of the plant it comes from (stems, bud, leaf). The distinctive mix of antioxidants make this tea an effective antiviral drink.

Some compounds that make this tea great are chlorophyll (blood cleanser), and a super antioxidant mix – Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), flavonoids and catechins (reduces free radicals), theophylline (opens up the airway), and L-theanine (boosts energy and decreases anxiety and depression).

Overall, green tea is great for your health and immune system. Green tea is also great for improving brain function, increasing metabolism and physical performance, lowering risk of cancer and dementia, killing bacteria, improving dental health, and maintaining blood sugars.

Method: If you don’t already sip a cup everyday, you should consider adding it to your daily routine.

10. Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra)

Elderberry is used as an antioxidant, anti-microbial, and a heart disease and stroke fighter.

The flower is used for upper respiratory infections, allergies, relieving arthritic pain, as an antiseptic mouthwash, treating gram positive and gram negative infections, and as a diuretic and laxative.

A study published in the BioMed Central’s Journal in 2011, found that Elderberry was effective in defending against influenza, certain bacterial Gram Positive and Gram Negative infections, and MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), the hospital acquired infections.

Elderberries has over twice the amount of Oxygen Radical Absorbency Capacity (cancer fighting compound) than blueberries or cranberries. This herb also improves circulation, and minimizes risk for heart disease and stroke.

Anthocyanins (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that also gives food it’s rich coloring), from the berry is absorbed directly in the blood vessel, providing a stronger and healthier barrier. This chain reaction decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The Blackberry Elderberry is the only species of the Sambucus family that is not poisonous. Elderberry refers to the name of a shrub.

The berries and the flowers (Elder Flower) are the only portions used for medicinal purposes, and the berries must be cooked before use. The leaves, bark, and roots are toxic and should be avoided.

Method: Edible elderberry is available in different forms: syrup, lozenges, and tea. The recommended dose differs depending on the form you are using.

If you are trying to combat a cold, cough, or flu, use elderberry within the first 48 hours of any symptoms.

14. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is produced by our own bodies in sufficient amounts. The amount multiplies after exposure to sunlight.

The body can make all the Vitamin D it needs, following a 30-minute sunbathing session!

Vitamin D helps move calcium into the bones and also boosts our immune system. It does this by sending out neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells to defend the body from intruding microbes.

17. Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes from the bark of small trees found in Asia and the Middle East. Is it one of the oldest spices known today. It has been used by the ancient Egyptians as medicine and was considered more precious than gold.

Although most people only think of cinnamon as a sweet holiday spice, it is actually packed with nutrients – manganese, calcium, and fiber.

Some of the benefits of this spice include: antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, controls blood sugar, improves colon health, protects against heart disease, and boosts brain function.

Another benefit of this herb is that it is naturally sweet and low in calories!

There are two different kind of cinnamon: Cassia Cinnamon (cheap and can be toxic if taken in large amounts – found in most supermarkets) and Ceylon Cinnamon (pure, sweeter, more nutrient dense).

Coconut oil contains a large amount of lauric acid (also found in human breast milk) which is strong enough to kill harmful pathogens that cause life threatening infections.

The oil is effective in destroying viruses and bacteria that are found in the flu, measles, herpes, mononucleosis, liver disease, AIDS, lung infections, sinus infections, gonorrhea, gastric ulcers, ringworm, and toxic shock syndrome–just to name a few.

Coconut oil has the ability to kill off all the intruding pathogens, while doing no harm to our own healthy cells.

Saturated fats found in coconut oil can also maintain cholesterol. It lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, while raising the HDL (good) cholesterol.

Final Word

There is no known cure for the common cold as of yet, but there are ways to battle the symptoms. If you want to avoid getting the cold, cough, or flu all together this season, you have to be proactive in caring for your immune system now.

It takes time and commitment to build up a strong immunity. If you do get sick, we wish you the speediest of recoveries, while using our natural home remedies.

Comments

I like that you talked about how 80% of our immune system is found in our digestive system. It makes sense, then, that most of the remedies for the cold and flu are swallowed. I think that, even when you can’t seem to keep colds away, you should try to find the cold or flu remedy that is right for you.

Really, a best article ever. If anyone get cough, they can use Aniseed too because it not only adds delicious flavor to foods, but it contains medicinal properties that help to relieve bad coughs and loosening mucus. This herbal plant is great with a cup of warm tea for immediate relief. It is a great antioxidant containing vitamin C and A. Its seeds contain ingredients like potassium, iron, and magnesium, that helps cells grow and remain healthy.

I happen to us tons of cinnamon in my coffee and that works wonders! If you drink coffee ☕ and you brew yours put one half coffee then 2 tsp. cinnamon then the other half on top of the layer of coffee on top of the cinnamon layer then brew your coffee then watch your flu or cold vanish faster then you can say flu!!!

My son is 9 months old DOC.. Right now living in Kuwait from last 2 months. Here the climate is too cold so ma son is having cold & cough which doesnt allow him to.sleep. can u.suggest home remedies for this..

Thanks for sharing this informative blog. The natural remedies that you have mentioned here for the treatment of cold and flu is really helpful and quite effective in my case, because from past few days I was suffering from cough. But, after following your natural remedies, I got relief.

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